US

Man Charged $500 for Swearing on Bus

A Milwaukee man has been cited and charged $500 for swearing on a public bus — a move he says violates his free speech:

From WISN:

“I cursed, and it cost me $500. Are you serious? Where in America do you get charged $500 for two words?” Terry Duncan said.Duncan admitted the two words started with an “f” and an “s” but was stunned when he was ordered off the No. 80 bus Tuesday by an undercover deputy and was handed a disorderly conduct ticket.

“I said, ‘What do I get this ticket for? What did I do wrong?‘ ’You were on the bus and using profane language. You were cursing on the bus.’ I said, ‘Cursing on the bus? Are you serious?’” Duncan said.

Duncan said he wasn’t swearing at anybody. He was just having a conversation on his way to work. He just moved here from Gary, Ind., and said he honestly had no idea it was illegal, and it’s not posted on the bus.

But regular riders said they know all about it.”People should not get on the bus having to hear disruptive conversations. You can get a fine for that. It’s the law. You can’t do that,” bus passenger Tiffany Cook said.

Comments (139)

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  • Zaphod
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:52am

    I certainly don’t like walking around hearing this language … but $500 seems a bit stupid. I’m sure he muttered a lot worse when he got sight of the fine.

    If some low-brow, knuckle-dragging gutter mouth wants to talk like this, then we should be allowed to throw rotten vegetation at them without recourse … if you’re going to talk like trash we should be allowed to make you LOOK look like trash.

    Report Post » Zaphod  
  • JGP
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:52am

    But GOOCH, what do you really think about fat people? That’s what I want to know. LOL

    Report Post »  
  • Mr.Citrus
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:47am

    Da*$ This is really is a ” Big F&#@*^&g Deal” huh We shouldn’t need laws for people to know they need not act that way in public for sure. PERSON RESPONSIBILITY for your COMMUNITY.

    ——– ” Don’t be a product of your community, let your community be a product of you. ”

    And without being posted, or provided a “ rule book ” I’d say no fine, a just warning. Only because this sort of thing is not a nationally recognized law. It is a pretty liberal.
    I think that guy could learn some cooth.

    Report Post » Mr.Citrus  
  • CAPTAIN OBVIOUS
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:44am

    This is a perfect example of where the people should have been allowed to govern themselves. No need to get local government involved. It’s No-Shoes-No-Shirt-No-Service 101. If you have no respect for others, your “welcome” license will be revoked.

    Report Post » Oh Say Can YOU See  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:33am

    $500 seems pretty excessive for the “offense”. I could see a $50 fine being reasonable to deal with the situation. Typical of the governmnet to deal with a problem by declaring “Zero Tolerance” and then imposing draconian punishments. These types of things only serve to make a mockery of the law by casuing the law to become tyranical. A more modest but firm application would be better.

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • Jolly Roger
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:22am

    What’s the law in Wisconsin say?
    If people don‘t pay attention to who they elect it wouldn’t be hard for them to change the laws without anyone knowing.

    Report Post » Jolly Roger  
  • UPSETVET
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:21am

    If it’s the law and you break it you have to pay up. A few years ago I was towing a boat to the lake THINKING the speed limit for ALL vehicles was 55mph. At that time,In Texas, while pulling a trailer of any kind the speed limit is (was) 45mph. I was going 55mph and told the Hwy Patrolman I was going 55mph and he said the law is 45mph when pulling a trailer. “I said I didn’t know that”, the officer politely looked at me and said, “Sir, ignorance of the law is no excuse”, and handed me the ticket. Thankfully it wasn’t $500.00 but about $50, however the principle is (was) the same.
    I wish it was an enforced law to use profanity everywhere in public. The truth is, there is a law against profanity in public just about everywhere but the law isn’t enforced.

    Report Post »  
    • Nvrforget
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:26am

      I’m not totally clear on the law pertaining to profanity, I must admit, but doesn’t it just apply to places where people cannot easily move away to avoid the profanity (i.e a bus)? Does anybody know?

      Report Post »  
    • VanGrungy
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:30am

      Actually, you were hit with an intended hidden limit…
      It‘s designed that way so police can gather revenue based on the ’ignorance of the law is no excuse’ ideal…
      That made sense when the laws were simple and few… It doesn‘t make any sense in today’s over regulated world…

      The fact that the ticket was for only $50 is government’s way of making you decide that fighting the ticket is not worth the fine… so you pay.. and the law is never seriously challenged…

      Report Post » VanGrungy  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:07am

      I meant to say against the us of profanity, daaaaaaaaaaaaa….

      Report Post »  
  • VanGrungy
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:55am

    Simply a revenue tool that can be arbitrarily applied…
    the undercover ‘bus monitor’ needs to justify existing….

    It’s as simple as that…

    Report Post » VanGrungy  
  • Spawnomite
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:47am

    Reminds me of that Stallone movie “Demolition Man.”

    Report Post »  
  • Reagan/DeMint.deciple
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:44am

    WHAT the hell are you babbling about ?

    Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
  • psykeskaos
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:36am

    This is the problem… I do not think Jefferson Washington and others were considering words like Bi***, F*** or others when they spoke of Freedom of Speech. We still have Curse and Abuse laws on the books and the law is used by several judges.
    I do not think I have the right to be verbally abusive to anyone. And a bus is a far cry from a gambling establishment.
    I was appalled to here the word B**** on the show Friends. I would not want to explain to a 6 year old what that word means.
    Yes I have been known to use these words, but only in certain company and not in public. There is a place and time.
    Stay Classy.

    Report Post » psykeskaos  
    • Nvrforget
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:07am

      “I was appalled to here the word B**** on the show Friends. I would not want to explain to a 6 year old what that word means.”

      ‘A b**** is a female dog, dear.’ :)

      Report Post »  
    • psykeskaos
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:57am

      And having to explain it in that context…. answer then why would anyone call another person a female dog… is it in this context that you use the word? I doubt it. And if you have daughters, a wife, sisters, do you like the idea that other people may consider them B*****??? I hope not.
      This is why things have gone to He//. You did not even pay attention to what else was written, but honed in on some stupid TV program. Like I said there is a time and place. Family programing, public places are not acceptable. Ever try to have a conversation with someone who’s every other word is F***? All I end up hearing is that word… all else is lost, if in fact any intelligent thought was there to begin with…

      Report Post » psykeskaos  
    • Nvrforget
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:27am

      “And having to explain it in that context…. answer then why would anyone call another person a female dog… is it in this context that you use the word?”

      That’s where the insult originates. Look up its history, it’s rather interesting (for someone interested in Etymology, at least).

      Moreover, I was making a little joke about how I’d explain the word to a six year old, thus the little smiley face. Please relax a little, I’m not disagreeing with you.

      Report Post »  
    • jbl8199
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 1:24pm

      Exactly. A little common sense goes a long way. This was a little extreme though. They should have just warned him first, then fine him. I just don’t seeing in having to pay a penalty that steep for just a couple cusswords. If anything, they should have just kicked him off the bus.

      Report Post » jbl8199  
  • GEW
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:32am

    What I find interesting about this story is the “secret undercover Deputy.” Good gosh. Sounds like the KGB…and you guys accept that! Let’s all follow the Pied Piper laughing, singing and being all so civil in our society, cause anarchy is just around the corner. You are crazy, people and you should be careful what you wish for, for once you set this kind of cr-p in motion, you can not stop it.

    Report Post » GEW  
  • Speak without Fear
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:29am

    Where and when does it stop?

    Pretty soon we will all be handed a script of what to say……anything said not pertaining to the script and you will be fined…..beat……or killed.

    Report Post »  
    • GEW
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:35am

      …programed to be “happy in our work.”

      Report Post » GEW  
  • So
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:13am

    There‘s a LOT of things I don’t want to hear. But with FREEDOM OF SPEECH, that happens.

    Report Post »  
  • cykonas
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:08am

    First, he wasn’t censored, he was fined for inappropriate language on private (city) property. I’m not sure who owns the busses in Milwaukee but they have a right to have rules of conduct on their busses. If he wants to go say the same thing in the “public square”, or on his own private property in Milwaukee and still gets fined then we have a problem. People on a bus are captive. They can’t walk away from language they find inappropriate. If the same language is encountered in the “public square” you don’t have to stay and listen. It’s similar to the logic that the Sharpton/FCC axis of evil is trying to do with Limbaugh and other conservative talkers. If you find any of them offensive change the station, or turn the radio off. The Sharpton/FCC dopes are going to try to make a case that we are somehow captive and therefore it’s got to be stopped/censored/regulated. Of course, the FCC hearing is going to be, in effect, a Kangaroo Court. The decisions have likely already been made.

    Second, do you buy, for one second, this guy‘s excuse that he didn’t know that was a wrong thing to do? A little common sense and/or respect for your fellow man goes a long way. There are no speed limit signs inside my little neighborhood, but I was somehow able to figure out that I shouldn’t drive much more than 30 mph in it. I didn’t need to speed down the street, run my car into someones yard and hit a tree and get a ticket to figure that out. I hope some pinhead ACLU type doesn’t try to make this into a free speech case. Our Constitution has already been too watered down in my view.

    Report Post » cykonas  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:55am

      The city is not “private property”.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • cykonas
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:56am

      That’s why I wrote it “private (city) property”. The city courts are private (city) property. Trying starting a rant in there and see what happens. The city council meeting room is private (city) property. Try starting a rant in there and see what happens. Thanks, though, for the astute observation.

      Report Post » cykonas  
    • psykeskaos
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:08am

      Touche!!! Our Founding Fathers were NOT thinking of the use of Foul language when they wrote the First Amendment. Remember it was the Left that pushed for abusive language to be allowed on TV and Radio.
      This has resulted in a deterioration and confusion of the First Amendment’s premise.
      The Right to a Free Press (no not money free)
      The Right to Assemble
      The Right to Free Speech. (That vocalizing discontent with Gov. or what have you will not land you in jail)
      The Right to practice your Faith
      That Religion will not interfere with Governance~ Separation of Church and State (as in context with the RC church, (Spanish Inquisition or the faith of the Puritans who executed people in the name of Witchcraft.) This does not mean our government is not based upon Christian faith or its principles…

      Report Post » psykeskaos  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:51am

      So your rebuttal is that because government entities consider public property “private (city) property” that makes them private property? Huh. I’ll go with that though: I consider my home an impervious nation not subject to dictatorial laws of other governments, such as the various governments in these united States. I am now immune, through my declaration, from penalties and prosecution as long as I’m in my house, for any crime. Yay me! :)

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Liberty_Forever
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 11:08am

      While common use of profanity IS distasteful and nobody really wants to hear it, it doesn‘t put anyone’s life in danger as does yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theater. So the fine was a bit overboard. Kick him off the bus or revoke his bus riding privaleges for a certain length of time if he broke the rules that apply to riding the city bus. However, as much as I find profanity distasteful, I distaste the regulation of free speech more. I mean, if it’s profanity today, what will it be tomorrow? Slang? Local jargon? Text Speak? Who determines where it ends because what you may find common, someone else may find as distasteful as profanity?

      Report Post »  
    • cykonas
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 11:12am

      Ghost, my purpose was neither to rebut nor to argue. It was to clarify my intent and to thank you for your observation. There is more than enough inane quibbling on this site already. I do not want to add to it. Thanks, again.

      Report Post » cykonas  
    • Liberty_Forever
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 11:23am

      @CYKONAS
      My sincerest apologies, my comment was not meant to be a response to yours or anyone in your thread. I had hit “reply”, decided it was not really warranted, then refreshed my screen to leave my own comment on the story itself. Unfortunately, my comment box was still locked on a response to your post.

      Report Post »  
    • cykonas
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 12:07pm

      Liberty, Let me try to explain my point this way. Let’s say that I own a hand gun (2nd amendment protection) and I have a permit to carry the weapon on my person (protected by local/state permit). You and I are riding on a bus together sitting next to one another. I take the pistol out of it’s holster and start playing with it. I don‘t make any specific threat toward you or others but I’m just waving the gun around and letting everyone know that I have it. Most folks, you included, would be pretty uncomfortable in this situation I bet. I would if I wasn’t the guy with the gun. Am I protected from being punished in some way by the operators of the bus for inappropriate or threatening behavior because my behavior involved a firearm (2nd amedment protection)? I think not! In the same light, because the guy in the report was speaking doesn’t mean he enjoys 1st amendment free speech protection.

      Now on your next point, which I believe to be a seperate one; what is the appropriate punishment? There are miles of room to debate this. Your assertion that his being barred from the bus may be fairer than a fine may well be correct. I really can‘t answer that because there are too many things that the report doesn’t tell me. For example, who owns the bus? Is it the City/County of Milwaukee, or is it a private subcontractor? Are there established statutes or rules that cover this sort of activity/language? If so how are they disseminated to the citizens? Are they posted on the bus, or at bus stops? It’s impossible for me to make any statement about the fairness of the punishment without knowing the answers to these questions and more. How I FEEL about punishment really has no bearing on anything.

      On your third point, which is really more of your sentiment or your belief system, I think I’m right there with you. I am a strict Constitutionalist Libertarian, and have been so for 35+ years. I, like you, hate the fact that we’ve allowed Governments to usurp and weaken so many of our rights. I take personal responsibility for being asleep at the switch. I’m over 50, so the bulk of this happened on my watch. And until very recently all I did was about it was complain. Mea culpa! I promise you that my legislators (or at least his/her staff) will recognize my name from now on. Thanks for your comment.

      Report Post » cykonas  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:01pm

      @GHOSTOFJEFFERSON what you’re advocating is that your home will succeed from the Union. Unfortunately, President Lincoln set a horrible precedent disallowing you from making such a decision. I personally wish that precedent was never set.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • gasman
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:04am

    I was taught better than to use profane language in mixed company. I believe in free speech but like others said there is a difference between free and appropriate. I think the government is to big and intrusive but there must be some rules to guide a civil society. Otherwise it would be anarchy.

    Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:01am

      Wrongo…The GOVERNMENT has no right to take away free speech!
      Should have just told the guy to shut his yap or get off the bus. They do have the right to refuse service, but to fine him? BS!

      Report Post »  
    • BSdetector
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:22am

      Dusty hit the nail on the head. Nobody wants to hear somebody swearing like a drunken sailor in public, but the GOVERNMENT can NOT make laws against such things.
      The driver can kick the guy off, the bus company can make a rule against it, but the GOVERNMENT can NOT.
      At least, if you adhere to the silly, outdated thing we call the constitution.

      Report Post » BSdetector  
    • Diamondback
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:23am

      There are rules. It’s called the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

      But, never mind, it’s a really outdated document that is wholly inadequate for the times in which we live so just continue to allow them to ignore it and soon it will be of no value whatsoever.

      I know we’re suppose to have probable cause and a warrant but ….

      I know we’re suppose to have freedom of speech but …

      I know there’s a fundamental, individual right to bear arms without infringement but …

      I could go on.

      But…

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:56pm

      I’m mixed in the responses. We all know the Federal Government has no say in what I say or where I say it. State Governments have a little more invested in what I do specifically but not as much as the County or City Government does. You Major or Councilman could be your next door neighbors. Making changes on the local scale is fairly easy to do. Worst case YOU run for Councilman next year and really make a difference!

      Local Governments can emplace certain laws base on the power the State and the voting people that district gives them.

      Some of you need to realistically differentiate between different levels of Government and the powers each level has.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • Speak without Fear
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:01am

    An undercover deputy…..doesn’t have anything better to do then be SWEAR POLICE?
    Are you flipping kidding me?

    And if this was a Muslim……..swearing and cursing America………what would he of got?
    ——>>Free bus rides……for the rest of his radical life.

    While no one likes to hear foul language…….and I certainly don’t condone it……but GET FLIPPING REAL.

    Report Post »  
  • HellAndBack
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:57am

    I dont care to hear that kind of Language either. People just dont seem to think about the consideration of others and if you ask them nice they become obnoxious. So, in order to protect our rights others should keep their voices down in public and try to be considerate of those around us. Why as Adults do we throw off the rules we expect our kids to adhere to? Pay the fine, Stop the Whine.

    Report Post » HellAndBack  
    • wesaluteyou
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:26am

      I agree, next time you want to swear in public then bring some rap music with you.

      Report Post »  
    • DTOM_Jericho
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:42am

      Your right to “not hear profanity” is not protected. So stfu. Epic fail.

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
  • meoilman
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:51am

    There is free speech and then there is acceptable speech which means that not all free speech is acceptable speech. Seems an expensive lesson to learn though. Also if that is the law or the rule, it should be posted on the bus at the door prior to entering.

    Report Post » meoilman  
  • Speak without Fear
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:48am

    From the lips of Joe Biden…..”This is a big F*&CK#$ Deal”

    Report Post »  
  • Grasshopper42
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:47am

    @#$# ^% )&^#@ %^$## !!! And that’s all I got to say about that . . .

    Report Post » Grasshopper42  
    • WAR PIGS CRAWLING
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:54am

      Well said.

      Report Post » WAR PIGS CRAWLING  
    • Jerley
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 4:26pm

      This is BS.
      When the deification finally hits the rotary oscillator, We will be able to explain to the intellectual Class what I just said.
      Oh Duck it.
      When the S@!t hit the fan, the morons can finally learn.

      The supreme Court Ruled a few months ago the saying F Duck you and showing the middle finger to a COP is protected speech.

      Report Post »  
  • Nvrforget
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:45am

    I can see him getting kicked off the bus at MOST since the driver can kick off people if he feels they’re disturbing the other passengers, but a $500 fine? No way.

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 11:56am

      Fine, no fine, speech no speech, the thing that really bothers me about this entire article is that apparently there are undercover secret polizei on public transportation handing out tickets for speech codes violations.

      I’d expect such a thing in Berlin in 1942, not America in any given year.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:34am

    Free speech evidently now costs 500 bucks…

    Report Post »  
    • Buck Bagaw
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:29am

      Serves him right, I’m pretty tired of hearing this mouth garbage in public.

      Report Post »  
    • jbl8199
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:43am

      They should get a killing from that AXE commercial then. lol, that was worse.

      Report Post » jbl8199  
    • TheBMT
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 11:29am

      the question is… who decides what is a swear word? Words are just words, to say that some are more “bad” then others is just dumb. We have “alternative” swear words to get around swear words, but they mean the same (darn) thing. We live in such a politically correct world. I don’t use these words in public simply because they are frowned upon. But I do use them in the company of my guy friends.

      Report Post »  
  • handsoffmystuff
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:33am

    John Spartan you are fined one credit for violation of the verbal morality statute. “….this fascist crap makes me wanna puke.”

    Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:49am

      Hmm….so now, we have the speech police?…..I’m betting we will also soon have the thought police too, once they get the technology perfected. It’s all about money, power and taking away your rights, to eventually make you nothing more than a serf.

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • Reagan/DeMint.deciple
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:40am

      Can I just say? (and I know I’ll be hammerd for this) This is the sort of thing Glenn talks about when he talks about the culture..You would NEVER hear something like this in the 50′s. But then there is the other side of Glenn where he is all ABOUT free speech so it’s slippery slope.. All in all, it should be posted.. Otherwise no ticket, maybe a warning, but no ticket.. I mean, if you we’re on private property like next to a park with no fence and no posting of private how could you get a ticket ? Anyway , I think we would be all better off NOT to hear this crap in public due to the children.. We need to set an example and be role models… IDK , maybe I’m just getting old..

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:13am

      @ Reagan/Demint

      You’re right, in the ‘50’s, you wouldn’t hear of a story like this because people had more respect for those around them than to do this, HOWEVER, this really is getting to be Orwellian.

      Orwellian. Huh. Out of a Progressive state. Whooda thunk it.

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:27am

      Free speech is a tricky one, Reagan. I agree with you. While he may have the right to say something, the question is whether or not he should. And if he does, what are the consequences?

      There’s an awful lot of free floating anger out there. Many people think the F word is just another adjective and they use it freely. Personally, I think it shows lack of breeding. I‘m sure that it’s been said countless times by many in private, but now it’s moved from locker rooms and other private places onto center stage. The line between private and public has become very, very blurred. And I think that’s what this is all about.

      The City of Milwaukee has obviously decided that they do not wish to allow foul language and cursing on their buses, probably for the comfort of the other riders. I know our son has frequently opted to walk home from college almost half way across town rather than ride our city buses because of the loud, nasty mouthed, aggressive people on the bus. He feels he shouldn’t have to put up with that, and in a very real sense, he’s right. He, like anyone else in town, should be able to board our city buses, pay the fare and ride it without being forced to endure someone’s profanity laced conversation with their homies or on the phone. And sometimes all that “trash talk” actually results in a physical altercation.

      People seem to believe that one’s dismay or objections can only be expressed by using profanity. I’ve seen it on The Blaze, other boards and in daily life. Simple, common, non-profane words works just as well to get the point across without the attached anger.

      While I do believe that we should be free to express ourselves, it is important to recognize that unless we as a society respect the difference between a public and private conversation, and conduct ourselves accordingly, then we will have $500 fines for those who chose to exhibit their poor taste and lack of breeding onto city buses.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:27am

      You know if they are going to do this crap, send them to the hood, they should be able to rack up on the citations.

      Report Post »  
    • Eric-n-OTown
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:28am

      Wait, so does this mean President Swartzenegger is next?

      Report Post »  
    • VanGrungy
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 9:35am

      Simply a revenue tool that can be arbitrarily applied…
      the undercover ‘bus monitor’ needs to justify existing….

      It’s as simple as that… I’ll bet the bus monitor has a quota to meet every month or week or so…

      Report Post » VanGrungy  
    • snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:05am

      Any chance they can also charge the Congress with the usage of foul language, such as for any and every PC garbage they spew – it makes me want to puke when I hear it.

      Here in Phoenix I have to on occasion listen to the rap music and other peoples language filled with such vile profanity that I do want to puke; yet the bus drivers and the police have explained that as long as no threats are made, and the noise pollution ordinances are not being violated, there is very little they actually can do.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:31am

      So where is Biden ticket(s)? He cussed on Nationl Tv yet was not fined or even made to apoligixe for it. He was congratulated for his great insight.

      Report Post »  
    • BenInNY
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:33am

      Yeah, I can see warning the guy, maybe kicking him off, but ONLY if it’s the bus driver doing it. The state does not have a way to limit speech in this regard that jibes with free speech. The bus isn’t regulated by the FCC is it?

      Report Post » BenInNY  
    • jburke4
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:42am

      I would fight this all the way to the SCOTUS. No where in the Constitution is there a right to not be offended however there is a right to free speech. If we loose that right we loose everything.

      Report Post »  
    • RoAdFiXeR
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 11:10am

      TXpilot we already have thought laws known as hate speech…..

      I agree profanity in public shows you have no class but it should not be a crime…..

      Report Post » RoAdFiXeR  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 11:54am

      If someone wants to exercise their right to express themselves by spewing profanity in front of my kids, that’s cool, as long as they’re cool with me expressing myself by busting their lip. After all, didn’t the court determine that actions are speech as well?

      There was a time in this country when boorishness and rudeness used to get you corrected right quick by others. Now, we just put up with it, watching our culture rot away in front of our eyes. Once, as a child, I was playing around some parked cars in a parking lot with some other kids while my mom shopped. An old man came up to me and whacked me with his cane and told me to get away from his car. I ran and told my mom, and she said, “well, you shouldn‘t be messing around with other people’s property. Go wait in the car.” Today, that old man would be sued.

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 12:44pm

      @ FormerLib -

      Most respectfully, I disagree with how your mother handled the fact that an elderly person hit you with a cane for being near his car. While he did have the right to warn you off, he did not have the right to strike you. Think about how you would have handled it with your own child/children.

      Many years ago, our son was with us at a fast food place. While he was standing in line with me, an elderly gentleman came in and threatened to hit our son, who had done nothing other than standing quietly next to me. Had the man even moved toward my child, I would have intervened in a flash and called the police. No one should have the right to put a hand on our children.

      I am a peaceful person, and a Libertarian, to boot. However, bullying is not allowed, and in truth and fact, that is what that man did. It was wrong then, and it’s wrong now.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 1:29pm

      I’m not justifying the guy hitting me, I’m merely pointing out that there was a different attitude about public behavior then than now. Parents used to discipline each other’s kids. If I got in trouble at school my parents sided with the teachers and I got in worse trouble at home. If anyone would have used foul language in public, there would have been a half dozen guys making sure that guy never did it again. Now, we are obsessed with rights but none of the responsibilities that accompany them. That‘s all I’m saying.

      I was in a book store last month on vacation. A kid came in wearing a Nazi swastika and wings about a foot wide on the back of his jacket. His right? Absolutely, but it took all I had not to go rip that thing off him and ask him if he even knew what it stood for. My dad nearly lost his life, and many of his friends did lose theirs, putting an end to that crap. It is ironic that our rights are being used against us to destroy us by every enemy of freedom on the planet. At some point, we have to start demanding responsibilities accompany the exercise of rights, or they stop being rights and become nothing more than license.

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 3:43pm

      FormerLib (I’d love to hear your story behind your screen name)

      I actually agree with you. We were at an amusement park a number of years ago when a big, black dude wearing a black t-shirt that said “Don’t F-ing Mess with Me!!!” passed us. About five feet from us, he pulled something out of his pocket, and his keys came out along with them. There was no way I was going to approach this dude, so I asked a small boy who happened to be passing to give the guy his keys back. The boy did so. But how sad is that? I often wonder if he realized how much his shirt pushed people away.

      I think people often do some of this stuff for shock value. Don‘t know if you’ve noticed in your area that there has been an upsurge in designs featuring skulls. There was a really neat sweatshirt with a wreath on it that I actually considered as a gift for a fleeting moment until I noticed the wreath was made up of red and green skulls. I guess Goth sells, but it’s nothing I would ever buy and I do wonder about those who dress that way. They are free to express their individuality, but they also should be aware that like their postings on Facebook and other computer venues, there are consequences.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • Jerley
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 4:04pm

      You see, according to Cocteau’s plan, I’m the enemy, ’cause I like to think; I like to read. I’m into freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I’m the kind of guy who likes to sit in a greasy spoon and wonder, “Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecued ribs with the side order of gravy fries?” I WANT high cholesterol. I wanna eat bacon and butter and BUCKETS of cheese, okay? I want to smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section. I want to run through the streets naked with green Jell-o all over my body reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly might feel the need to, okay, pal? I’ve SEEN the future. Do you know what it is? It’s a 47-year-old virgin sitting around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake, singing “I’m an Oscar Meyer Wiener”. Edgar Friendly, demolition man

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:49pm

      @JBURKE4

      I understand everyone believes in the freedom of speech. I believe in it whole heartedly like any average, freedom loving American. However, you must look at the detailed of your case. I know everyone wants to think the Constitution applies to EVERYONE everywhere anytime.

      This is not the case. Here‘s the 1st Amendment in it’s entirety

      “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”

      Note: Congress cannot do certain things. Go a little further and you’ll find another amendment popular by us Liberty loving Americans

      “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

      Yup, that’s the 10th amendment. Basically, Congress can’t tell you to shut up, at least not lawfully. They then say that any powers not delegated to Congress (represented as the Union of the States) or prohibited specifically by the states, is up to the State or the people to decide for themselves. In this case, I don’t know if Milwaukee has a State Constitution or whether is has a provision to provide the same level of free speech as our national Constitution does, so the choice to censor certain things can be done by the State or by the even smaller Governments of Cities and Counties.

      In local Government, if laws or ordinances are unpolular enough, it’s simple enough to get rid of them or add to the laws based on the need of the people.

      This is the whole concept the Founding Fathers envisioned all those years ago.

      If the people don’t like the law fining this man that much money, they can change it within their local government.

      I still believe it was wrong, ethically, to charge this man that hefty fine. If I were in that city, I’d stand behind this man in advocating that this law be removed from the books and the “undercover bus monitor” find a more productive job.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • GeauxAlready
    Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:30am

    This place is becomming too PC

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • dwh320
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 12:28pm

      Has the first amendment been voided by the PC Police?

      Next it will be not just swearing but the CONTENT of what you say that will get you fined or arrested. No negative content allowed about government policies or officials. You can see it coming.

      Report Post » dwh320  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 12:47pm

      Nobody condones the profanity but a goverment enforcement action against a citizen for a spurious non-directed invective is not a reasonable thing. Oblivious people do not realize it is just another “nudge” towards the police state.

      Report Post » Xcori8r  
    • C.C.D.
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 12:51pm

      Does this mean that Rahm Emanuel owes about 5 million?

      Report Post »  
    • Paul G
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 2:03pm

      What’s next? Are THEY gonna tell me where I can and can’t smoke cigs? Ooops…

      Report Post »  
    • glolar
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 2:36pm

      You think $500 is bad for cursing? Here in Southern CA, my son got a ticket for $1,090 for fishing without a license. You can get caught with dope in your car, and you get a $100 ticket and get sent on your way, but if you fish without a license, $1,090. That’s just corrupt.

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:35pm

      I disagree with the fine on the individual. I personally don‘t mind cursing as long as it’s not done around my kids. For the Constitutional aspect of the question. Did Congress fine this man? Did Congress create the law preventing him from Saying F and S on this bus? Or is it a local ordinance/law set forth by local officials with the consent of the local population?

      If it is, this is a classic example of local Government setting up their rules. Is it right? Not necessarily. Although I do believe they should have the rule and possible fines posted. It’s not right to have this law yet not let anyone know it exist. He should get a warning, no fees due, and if he doesn’t it again they can fine him. $500 though? This city must be really hurting for cash!

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:39pm

      I hate licenses for most things, especially hunting.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • nptden
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 8:21pm

      I guess he made a mistake using f–k.. He should have used racially and politically correct motherf–ker.
      Woooh Bro… Can they give tickets to all these ******* rappers?

      Report Post » nptden  
    • dontbotherme
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 10:38pm

      This is not a new law. I must be older than a lot of people here. When I was much younger (40 years ago), I worked downtown Chicago. I had to take 3 buses to get to work. There were small signs by the front door that said, “No spitting. No Swearing.” If you did either, you were kicked of the bus and fined. The bus drivers would “wave” a cop down, tell him what was going on & hand the filthy mouth over to the cop. Just because you can say something, doesn’t mean you should. People were a lot more respectful & polite back then. I miss ladies & gentlemen. When people swear they show nothing but ignorance & rudeness. I am sick of it & I know I’m not the only person who is.

      Report Post »  
    • *************************
      Posted on December 28, 2010 at 4:51am

      WTF !?

      $500 fine? Okay … when I said “WTF”, that means “Where’s The Fun?”.

      [Mongo rides into town on a bull and dismounts]
      HOWARD JOHNSON [rides up to him]: “Hey. You can’t park that animal there.”
      [Mongo walk around and punches Johnson's horse out from under him]
      -Blazing Saddles

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoStinkinBadges  
    • Deuteronomy22
      Posted on December 28, 2010 at 7:10am

      AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 7:35pm
      “I disagree with the fine on the individual. I personally don‘t mind cursing as long as it’s not done around my kids. For the Constitutional aspect of the question…
      Or is it a local ordinance/law set forth by local officials with the consent of the local population?”

      It is called the 1st Amendment. Offensive speech is not necessarily profane. This issue was before The Supreme Court. Look up Miller v. California. Local goverments don’t trump the US Supreme Court and the 1st Amendment.

      Report Post » Deuteronomy22  
    • ilovethiscountry
      Posted on December 28, 2010 at 1:13pm

      As someone who had to ride the bus for years, I think this is a good thing. This is a public place where people need to go with their children. One should be able to behave in a civil manner. My children and I should not be exposed to such behavior on our public conveyance. If you want to swear do it in the privay of your own home.

      Report Post »  
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